Clinical and functional outcomes of unilateral biportal endoscopic decompression in patients with lumbar compression.

INTRODUCTION

Lumbar neural compression is one of the leading causes of pain and disability in older adults. Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic (UBE) decompression has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative to conventional techniques, providing a wider surgical field, enhanced visualization, and preservation of anatomical structures.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective observational study including patients with lumbar spinal stenosis who underwent decompression using the UBE technique between January 2022 and January 2024. Demographic data, surgical details, and clinical and functional outcomes were analyzed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), length of hospital stay, and medical leave duration.

RESULTS

A total of 98 patients were included, with a mean age of 65±10 years and a predominance of females. Mean VAS scores decreased from 8.0±1.0 preoperatively to 4.0±1.0 postoperatively (p <0.001), while ODI scores improved from 50±10 to 20±5 (p <0.001). Hemoglobin levels showed a moderate but significant reduction (14±1.0g/dL to 12±1.0g/dL; p <0.001). Hospital stay ranged from 1 to 4 days, with most cases requiring only 1-2 days, and mean medical leave duration was 1.3±0.6 months. The complication rate was low, with no major adverse outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

UBE decompression has shown a safe and effective minimally invasive technique for the management of lumbar neural compression. It provides significant improvements in pain and function, shortens hospital stay, and supports early recovery, reinforcing its role as a valuable therapeutic option in clinical practice.